Russian FA Chief Steps Down After Euro 2012 Elimination

Russia Football Association CEO Sergei Fursenko has resigned "following the country's poor showing at Euro 2012," according to Miriam Elder of the London GUARDIAN. The resignation followed a meeting between Fursenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin in which "the two close friends" discussed Russia's failure to reach the quarterfinals in what has been taken as "a massive national disappointment." Fursenko said, "I would like to apologise to our fans for such a result. I have taken a difficult decision -- to step down as head of the Russian Football Union." It was "expected that someone would take the fall for Russia's loss." However, Fursenko's exit "came as a surprise." Former Russian Union Football head and former FIFA VP Vyacheslav Koloskov said, "I have a feeling there is more to his resignation" (GUARDIAN, 6/26).

FINES APLENTY: The Croatian Football Federation has been fined €30,000 ($37,400) by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body for setting off and throwing fireworks and improper conduct of supporters at the Group C fixture against Spain June 18. The Portuguese Football Federation, meanwhile, has been fined €7,000 for inappropriate behavior of their supporters -- attempted invasion of the pitch -- at the quarterfinal match against the Czech Republic June 21. UEFA has also opened disciplinary proceedings against the Royal Spanish Football Federation for the improper conduct of their supporters at a Group C match against Italy June 10. Disciplinary proceedings have also been opened against the Russian Football Union for the improper conduct of their supporters at a Group A match against the Czech Republic in Wroclaw June 8. The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body will deal with these cases Thursday (UEFA).